Job seekers are often so naive. We may know what it’s like in the job search, but even the most seasoned veterans tend to misread interviews. It’s human nature to take things at face value, but in the job interview process it never hurts to take a second look. What might an unexpectedly easy interview mean for the job seeker?

An unexpectedly easy interview may be a false positive for job seekers. All may be going well on the surface, but the truth is if the interviewer isn’t challenging you they may not have much interest. Interviewers ask questions to get to the bottom of the candidates they are interviewing. They’ll often try to catch you off guard with questions about your biggest weakness, things you disliked about your previous position, and other questions designed to potentially goad you into screwing up. They’re tests of character.

In your job search you want to be tested. It may not seem like it–and it’s a test of your patience sometimes just being a job seeker–but being challenged generally means that an employer wants to put time and effort into you, and more importantly into finding out if you’re a good potential employee. If they don’t see you as a real candidate they may not want to take the time to ask you difficult questions or get to your true character. Job seekers must be willing to be challenged in interviews. It may be a cliche but easier isn’t always better. Instead, if you’ve just been challenged in an interview look at the positives of how you handled it, or learn from what may have tripped you up on a challenging question and better prepare for it next time.

Easy interviews don’t necessarily spell disaster. Maybe you just ace interviews. Or perhaps the company already had you in mind. In general, though, don’t gain too much confidence from an unexpectedly easy interview. Take it with a grain of salt.

Have you ever had an unexpectedly easy interview? What did you make of it? Tell us in the comments below.